Structural design of aeroengine radiators: State of the art and perspectives

Structural modularization, lightweight and functional integration are the urgent development directions for next generation high-performance aeroengines. Heat concentration during aeroengine operation would lead to local high temperature, which tremendously negative impacts on aeroengine structural life and performance. Therefore, the design and optimization of radiator structures are significant for the efficiency and reliability of aeroengine. The structural geometry design and layout optimization of radiators is promising to improve the heat dissipation efficiency and reduce aerodynamic loss. The purpose of this study is to investigate the state of the art and perspectives of aeroengine radiator structural design by a comprehensive literature review. The main contents involve the review on the structural design and layout optimization technologies of radiator structures, the analyses of the structural features, design theory and methods of existed radiator structures, the induction of the theory and method of different radiators structural optimization design, and the discussion on the application perspectives of advanced structures in aeroengine radiators, the report on the current challenges and development directions of the design of radiator structures, including smart materials, lattice structures, variable structures, advanced optimization theories and methods, heat dissipation methods and so forth. The efforts of this study are promising to support the high-performance and lightweight design of aeroengine structures besides radiators, and thermal management system.